WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, incooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntaryrecall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop usingrecalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Hazard: The recalled vacuums have defective on-off switches that canoverheat the handle and toolholder areas of the vacuum, resulting in afire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received 249 reports of vacuumsoverheating, which caused the handle area to smoke, melt or catch fire.One minor burn injury requiring no medical attention was reported.

Description: Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners are plastic,upright vacuums with the brand name "Hoover" and words "Self Propelled"printed on the front of the product. The model and serial numbers areprinted on a label on the back of the vacuum.

The following model numbers are included in the recall:U6423-900 U6425-900 U6425-950U6445-900 U6445-960 U6449-900U6450-900 U6451-900 U6455-900

Only those Hoover Self-Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaners manufacturedbetween May 1998 and November 1999 are included in this recall. Therecalled models include serial numbers 0598xxxxxxxx through1199xxxxxxxx, with the first four digits of the serial number indicatingthe month and year of production (e.g., 0598xxxxxxxx is May 1998).

Sold at: Household appliance and floorcare retailers nationwide from May1998 through July 2000 for between $259 and $279.

Manufactured in: U.S.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately andcontact Maytag to obtain the name and address of the nearest Hooverrepair center to schedule a free repair. Consumers should not returntheir vacuum cleaners to retailers.